Subordinate Certificates Appear Invalid with Certificate Server 1.0 (242032)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition
  • Microsoft Certificate Server 1.0

This article was previously published under Q242032

SYMPTOMS

When you view Certificate Authority (CA) client chains, subordinate certificates may not be shown. In addition, some client chain verification code may not identify subordinate certificates as valid.

CAUSE

Certificate Server 1.0 root and subordinate CA certificates do not have the critical flag set in the basic constraints extension, and the key usage bits are not completely correct. Therefore, CA hierarchies do conform to the current IETF standard. The current standard was issued after Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack was released.

RESOLUTION

Windows NT Server, Certificate Server or Workstation 4.0

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:
For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:
Certificate Server has been updated in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6 (SP6) as follows:
  • Root CA certificate generation sets the critical flag.
  • Subordinate CA certificate requests include the basic constraints and key usage extension.

Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack


STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Certificate Server 1.0.
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/3/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbfix kbQFE KB242032